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Turn your notes into an editable mind map without the manual setup

Word can build a mind map, but every branch is placed by hand. DeckOwl reads your material and drafts the structure for you, so you can spend your time studying instead of formatting.

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Drop files here or browsePDF, DOCX, PPTX, text or photos of your notes · several files with Plus

Free · First set needs no signup · Creates mind maps in seconds

Making a mind map in Word versus generating one

Word has no built-in mind map template, so to make a mind map in Word you usually combine SmartArt with shapes and text boxes. It works, but every branch is positioned by hand, and rearranging a large map can take longer than the studying itself.

Start with a central topic, then group related ideas as first-level branches.
Keep each branch to a single concept so it is easy to recall.
Use short labels and move detail into sub-branches.
Review the map from the center outward, covering one branch at a time.

Example mind map branches for Spanish present-tense verbs

Regular -ar verbsDrop -ar, add -o, -as, -a, -amos, -an · Example: hablar becomes hablo, hablas, habla · Vosotros form ends in -áis

Regular -er verbsDrop -er, add -o, -es, -e, -emos, -en · Example: comer becomes como, comes, come · Vosotros form ends in -éis

Regular -ir verbsDrop -ir, add -o, -es, -e, -imos, -en · Example: vivir becomes vivo, vives, vive · Vosotros form ends in -ís

Stem-changing e to ie verbsThe e changes to ie in the yo, tú, él, and ellos forms · Nosotros and vosotros keep the e · Example: pensar becomes pienso, pensamos

Irregular yo formstener becomes tengo, hacer becomes hago, salir becomes salgo · Only the yo form takes the irregular stem · The other forms follow the usual endings

Generate the full set

Editable branches

Rename, drag, or regroup any node after the map is generated.

Explorable structure

Expand or collapse branches so you can focus on one section at a time.

Built from your files

Works from PDFs, DOCX, PPTX, plain notes, or photos of pages read with text recognition.

How it works

Insert a SmartArt layout

In Word, go to Insert, then SmartArt, and pick a Radial or Hierarchy layout.

Add your central topic and branches

Type the main idea in the center, then use the Text Pane to add and nest branches.

Format and save

Adjust colors and spacing, then save or export the file as a PDF from File, then Save As.

DeckOwl takes a different route. Upload a PDF, DOCX, PPTX, plain-text notes, or a photo of a page, and it produces a mind map with a central topic and branches you can expand, collapse, and edit. Exporting to DOCX is part of the Plus plan.

The free plan includes 3 generations per month and studying in the browser. Plus adds unlimited generations and PDF, DOCX, Anki, and CSV export, so you can keep the map in Word if you need it there.

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Frequently asked questions

How many branches should a study mind map have?

Most topics work well with 4 to 7 main branches, each holding 2 to 5 sub-points. If a branch grows beyond that, split it into two sections.

Can I export a mind map to Word?

Yes, DOCX export is included with the Plus plan, which is $39 per year or $7.99 per month. The free plan lets you study the map in the browser without exports.

Do I need a credit card to try it?

No, you can start on the free plan without a credit card. It includes 3 generations per month.

How do I use a mind map to memorize verb conjugations?

Put each verb group on its own branch and write one conjugation pattern per sub-point. Then test yourself by covering the sub-points and rebuilding them from the main branch.

Generate free mind maps

Keep exploring the topic

Review the main ideas visually or practice recalling them.